7 The Travel Bug in Me

My trips to local and foreign shores – includes tips and reviews on hotels and restaurants.

I’M Hotel | A Beautiful Preview

Posted by Norman on November 25, 2016
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , .

I’M Hotel & Residences: The latest property to lend class and luxury to the Makati Skyline

The invite to the Exclusive Media Preview Launch

Note: Indulge me this once with a blog post that is not pageant-related because, believe me, this is just too good to pass up on.

I don’t normally gush over new luxury hotel properties opening around the metro. After all, they offer almost the same high-end amenities and conveniences that once you’ve seen one, you’ve practically seen them all. This is where I’M Hotel will enter the market and leave you wanting to either stay or enjoy everything the five-star hotel has to offer.

Located on busy Makati Avenue (cornering Kalayaan), I’M Hotel is setting a new benchmark in luxury accomodations without – as the cliché goes – making you spend an arm and a leg just to book a weekend staycation or for an even longer residential base that could be as short as a few days or a month or two.

Allow me now to share with you the video showing Marketing Manager Melissa Lim talk about I’M Hotel during the start of the Exclusive Media Preview Launch last night.

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Marketing Manager Melissa Lim and General Manager Wouter Piet during the Open Mic of the Exclusive Media Preview Launch

I’M Onsen Spa sets the hotel apart from the rest

Now this is the crown jewel of I’M Hotel in my opinion – the I’M Onsen Spa. Occupying six storeys in the towering skyscraper, this very relaxing haven is entirely different from all the other spas in that it is constructed to be like the world-renowned onsens all over Japan. It mimics the mineral composition of hot springs making it the first authentic Japanese thermal bath in the country. It is where you can soak your tired bodies, get the most rejuvenating (or calming) massage, go for an uber cleansing body scrub or mix-and-match other treatments that will leave you in the most serene or recharged state of wellness.


Can you imagine, dear readers? 3800 sqm or six floors of pure bliss! The areas are gender-specific in order to maintain the privacy among its male and female guests. And both the numerous spa pods and suites have the most inviting feel to set you up for a treatment or two that will propel you back to a stress-free self. They even have a couples suite with a private soaking area that is large enough to make two people feel like they are in a small pool filled with mineral water (or milk, whatever pleases the guests).

The body scrub beds alone heated up my excitement even more

Oh, have I mentioned that you will get a complimentary buffet meal at the in-house Bloom Restaurant once you book a spa appointmen with them? Now that’s completing the whole experience from inside and out.

And if you feel like you need a nightcap or would like to enjoy drinks just to laze the night away, the Mermaid Pool Bar (with an acrylic-bottomed infinity pool) hits just the right chilling spot before calling it a night.

The spacious rooms are very relaxing

And so, we come to this – the very inviting guest rooms that go from the Classic to the Prestige to the Suites to the 1-Bedroom/2-Bedroom Suites with Balconies. As much as location is king (which the property can lay claim to considering the central address), space is also a bonus that I’M Hotel can be proud of. The smallest units measure at a minimum of 30 square meters with the biggest occupying more than triple that number. The layout of each offers a lot of room to move around, just as the residential options have intelligently-designed kitchenettes and private viewing decks that will complete the whole stay.

So how am I doing so far? Have I convinced you on I’M Hotel? I hope I did because you will get another dose of mouth-watering descriptions of the place the next time I actually spend a night with them, matched with an afternoon at the I’M Onsen Spa.

Like and follow I’M Hotel & Residences and I’M Onsen Spa on Facebook. You will never believe the attractive introductory rates by the time they formally open their doors this coming Q1 2017.
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Sunday Specials: Visit The Philippines 2015

Posted by Norman on October 19, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , .

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The Department of Tourism's campaign for 2015

courtesy of DOT Philippines

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Aside from the Papal Visit in January, 2015, there are more reasons to check out the Philippines next year.

By now, you must have already watched the new video of the Department of Tourism Philippines above. 2015 is the best time to visit the country because a lot of things will be happening right from the start. So consider this post my small pitch in helping entice more tourists and balikbayans to schedule their next trip to the Philippines.

Aside from the much-awaited Papal Visit happening in mid-January, there are several festivals to be celebrated all year-round and in grander scales at that. Of course, our world-renowned beaches and diving spots remain as the default destinations of most everyone. But there is still much more on offer – from the urban shopping jungles of the city to the lush greeneries of hidden paradise locations all the way to the sparkling waters of Boracay, Palawan and Caramoan.

And may I remind you that, aside from being the country with the longest observance of Christmas in the world, something exciting might just take place towards the homestretch of the coming year. While still unconfirmed, the proposed hosting of Miss Universe 2015 in Manila will definitely lure a lot if all things fall into place.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your visit to the Philippines in 2015. It’s all going to be worth it, I assure you. 😀

If you need to book a Bali hotel for MW2013, give U Paasha Seminyak a go

Posted by Norman on September 10, 2013
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , .

Right in the heart of Bali, U Paasha Seminyak Resort Hotel welcomes all guests with warmth and hospitality.

Right in the heart of Bali, U Paasha Seminyak Resort Hotel welcomes all guests with warmth and hospitality.

A warm welcome awaits all guests at U Paasha Seminyak Bali

A warm welcome awaits all guests at U Paasha Seminyak Bali

A tastefully-designed lobby beckons

A tastefully-designed lobby beckons

Now that Miss World 2013 will be hosted by Bali until the end of the month, a hotel booking is a must should you be traveling to watch the much-awaited finals of the pageant. And if you want to stay in the heart of the island paradise but not far from where the action is, then U Paasha Seminyak Hotel is for you. What’s more, their rates are quite reasonable for a few nights’ stay.

The rooms are a joy to rest and relax in after a tiring day

The rooms are a joy to rest and relax in after a tiring day


According to Jourena Juliet, Sales & E-commerce Manager of U Paasha Seminyak Hotel, “…Our rooms total is 98 rooms include private balcony with U’s unique concept of service including our 24 hour room concept which allows guests to enjoy their room for 24 hours from arrival, as well as breakfast whenever/wherever during the stay, international and local calls at cost, pre-select amenities such as pillows, tea, music and soap that guests can select from our online U Choose program and more. U Paasha Seminyak resort facilities include a roof top swimming pool, gym, a unique concept restaurant and a New York style bar.”

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Online rates offer a 20% discount, with complimentary airport transfer for a minimum stay of 2-nights. So if you’re one of those who originally planned to visit Jakarta, but had to cancel and re-book because of recent transfer of finals to Bali, do give U Paasha Seminyak Hotel serious consideration for your temporary home base there.

And if you e-mail Jourena Juliet (sales@upaashaseminyak.com) and mention that you learned about the hotel via ‘Norman’s Blog’, she might even give you a more special rate than what is being popularly offered. 😉

Terminal 21: Bangkok’s newest and coolest shopping mall

Posted by Norman on April 23, 2012
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

During my recent trip to Bangkok, I made sure of reserving a day just for Terminal 21 – the City of Smiles’ latest addition to its ever-growing number of shopping malls. I simply love the concept of the place. Designed like an airport terminal, each floor has a country theme that evokes specialty shops. Level M1 is Caribbean (Popular Thai and International brands), Level M is Paris (Mixed), Level 1 is Tokyo (Women’s/Teens Wear), Level 2 is London (Men’s Wear), Level 3 is Istanbul (Jewelries, Accessories), Level 4 is San Francisco (Dining) and Level 5 is an extension of San Francisco which includes the Multiplex. What makes this mall different from the others? Well, it looks and feels like a high-end place, but the independent shops dotting the Paris, London and Istanbul levels make Terminal 21 such an attractive venue to splurge your money (or credit limit) in. In fact, if you’re good at reasonable bargaining, you can get some excellent buys. And the most creative of local clothing manufacturers have joined hands to give shoppers the most unique options. In short, the expensive looks from the outside are just for show because there are really no high-end stores/boutiques inside. It is practically an homage of a mall for the more price-conscious but ambiance-particular among Thais and tourists alike.

Here are some interior shots I took of the place:

It can be dizzying looking down from where I took this photo. The long escalator is actually a short cut from M level to all the dining places in San Francisco level.

It was pure joy checking out the independent shops in the Paris and London levels.

Here's a view of Terminal 21's entrance coming from the BTS Asoke Skytrain station.

By the way, don’t worry if you just want to plain window shop. The food level offers a wide variety of mouth-watering choices and all priced competitively. A good number of my favorite eateries (e.g. Hachiban 8 and Oishi) have branches here. And if you have a thing about rest rooms, you will be pleased to know that all the toilet bowls are heated (imported from Japan) and the wash room designs adjusting to the theme of each level.

Terminal 21 has an excellent location. It is right at the corner where BTS Asoke (skytrain) and MTR Sukhumvit (subway) meet. If you’re a lazy bone and want to be super close, book a room at Grand Centrepoint Hotel & Residence – Sukhumvit Terminal 21 which has its own access to the mall. Otherwise, some of the walking distance hotel options here are The Key Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Westin Sukhumvit, Radisson Sukhumvit, Kingston Suites, City Lodge Soi 19 and Sacha’s Hotel Uno which you can book HERE.

Happy Shopping! 😀

Off to Bangkok!

Posted by Norman on April 3, 2012
Posted in: 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , .

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image I’m off to Bangkok this morning for a much-needed break. I will be there till Easter Sunday. If laziness hits me all over, my daily blogs will most likely be every other day. But depending on what inspires me to write about while sipping a tall drink by the pool, I still won’t let a day pass without a new feature.

I’ve already prepared a couple of advanced posts scattered for posting within the week so that you won’t miss my tireless thoughts too much. 😉

If any of you, dear readers, are Bangkok-bound as well, just holler via Twitter (@normant) or reply to this thread. I practically know the city like the palm of my hand (well, not 100%) so we can meet up for drinks or lunch (in my fave dining places). I shall be staying around the MBK/National Stadium area for this trip.

Laa gon krap (Goodbye) for now! 🙂

Novotel Bangkok Platinum: Offering the best of both worlds in a brand new way

Posted by Norman on January 15, 2012
Posted in: 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Novotel Bangkok Platinum: The new kid on Bangkok's hotel block

Are you the regular Bangkok traveler who makes the mandatory beeline for Platinum Mall and come out with loads of shopping bags in both hands and still want to re-enter and shop more but is prevented by the cumbersome fact that you have nowhere to dump your purchases in? Well, how does the sound of having your hotel room attached to the shopping annex itself? Good? Nah. I’d say excellent!.

Novotel Bangkok Platinum is one brand-new reason to schedule another trip to the Land of Smiles. The fully non-smoking property is the answer to the shoppers’ dilemma – looking to stay beside Platinum Mall and be allowed constant shopping with frequent room pit stops in between. Sure, there are so many other options around the Pratunam area to consider, but nothing beats staying within the mall’s immediate vicinity. Besides, this is a mid-scale hotel so the prices are almost always priced in the USD100 range, even more reasonable if you get it via Sawadee or Agoda.

Novotel Bangkok Platinum offers 283 rooms intelligently spread out in a 33-storey skyscraper where the higher floors can afford guests a fantastic view of the city at night. The rooms are well-designed with all the amenities you need to make a brief or longish stay more relaxing. In short, you can get the best of both worlds here – shopping to your heart’s delight and sleeping in crisp, new rooms to relax your tired body. And if I haven’t convicnced you so far, do keep in mind that it is walking distance to Central World, Big C, Pratunam Market, Gaysorn Plaza and more importantly, the Skytrain station at Chitlom (at least a 10-minute trek but still manageable).

So what are you waiting for? Book that next trip to Bangkok now! 😉

Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam: Another brand-new hotel option in the Land of Smiles

Posted by Norman on October 24, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , .

Bangkok never runs of brand-new hotels opening left and right. Come hot and humid day or wet and flooded nights, the Land of Smiles continues to rake in millions of tourists….an excellent reason for new properties to keep on cropping up.

This time, Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam is set to unveil its first brand come February 1, 2012. This will make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the first in Asia Pacific outside Greater China and Japan to welcome the entry of the successful Holiday Inn Express brand.

So some of you might ask, what’s so special about this one? I’ll give you three good reasons:

1) Free Breakfast – this is a staple of all Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. For the Siam Bangkok pit stop, a limited buffet breakfast will be served on the 7th floor restaurant, with a separate counter where you can “grab & go” for your meals.

2) Free Wi-Fi – No questions asked. As long as you are a hotel guest, you can access the internet anywhere – be it the common areas, 7th floor resto or the comforts of your own room.

3) Excellent Location – Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam will particularly interest shoppers who want to stay within arms’ reach of MBK and Siam Square. On top of that, you are only 90 steps away from the nearest skytrain station (@National Stadium). Very convenient indeed!

Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam's location map (green arrow). Notice how close it is to the skytrain at National Stadium plus MBK Shopping Centre right beside the station.

So if you plan to return to (or make a first-time visit to) Bangkok on or after February 1, 2012, consider staying at Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam. You will definitely be able to take advantage of one of their 300 brand-new and tastefully-designed rooms sized at a minimum of 23 sq.m..

Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam is at 889 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai Pathumwan, Bangkok, TH. Hotel Front Desk can be reached at: 66-02-6560318. Hotel Fax No: 66-02-6560378

My #1 Choice for Bangkok (and Thailand) Online Hotel Booking Site

Posted by Norman on June 11, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , , .

I don’t normally make outright endorsements – just recommendations – of online booking sites for hotels in Bangkok and Thailand in general. I think that I can state this with confidence after more than a decade of gaining specialized exposure to the Land of Smiles from an outsider’s point of view. And this time, I’m making a well-thought-of pitch to encourage blog readers and visitors to give my top pick for a country-specific reservationist. I’ve tried them several times and have never been disappointed. Everything is in perfect order. What’s more, their rates can rival all the other competitors. One of the main reasons here is the fact that they are based in Bangkok itself and have earned the trust of affiliated properties in the same.

Let me re-introduce you to Sawadee.com / R24.org

Sawadee.com for all Thailand bookings



And what makes my push more reliable? Well, personal experience for one. But more importantly, I visit Bangkok almost purely as a tourist (or leisurely traveler if you will) so I analyze everything with a good mix of subjectivity and open-mindedness. And modesty-aside, I’ve built a reputable name as hotel reviewer in tripadvisor and other travel forum sites.

So the next time you are planning a short or extended vacation in Bangkok (or in other parts of Thailand), try Sawadee.com / R24.org

 Of course, I would appreciate it a lot if you can click the links to their pages from my blog. 🙂

You won’t be disappointed, I promise! 😉

Abloom Serviced Apartments: a Bangkok home away from home without a doubt

Posted by Norman on April 27, 2011
Posted in: 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , .

If you’re a frequent visitor to Bangkok like myself, chances are that you’ve ran the whole gamut of staying in and out of downtown hotels just to be close to where the action is. During the past year, however, I have decided to concentrate on serviced apartments outside the city center because of three very important factors: space, low rates and a more homey atmosphere that takes you away from the maddening crowds into the arms of locals in residential areas where the environs are truly more calming and welcoming.

Such is my experience with Abloom Serviced Apartments on Phahonyothin Soi 3 which, thankfully, is less than 2 minutes away by foot from the nearest skytrain station (Sanam Pao BTS). Well, it should be more of a 7-10 minute walk if you go around the nearest corner, but since guests can use a unique shortcut from the back of the building passing through an already closed establshment (Bar La HM) and then exiting right smack at the foot of the skytrain stairs, everything came fast and easy. What’s more, the vicinity is less intimidating. That could be boring for some – reason why I suggest that this place be considered by repeat tourists to the Land of Smiles.

The spacious bedroom in one of their suites

Abloom has four (4) categories: studio room, 1-bedroom suite, 2-bedroom suite and 3-bedroom suite. The suites have a kitchenette, full-sized fridge, a cozy living room with flat TV (and several cable channels to choose from), lots of cabinets, in-room safe and a toilet/bath with shower facilities. Personally, what made my stay more enjoyable is the free strong wi-fi in all units. I was able to use my laptop, tablet and smartphone without any internet hitch.

The relaxing living room in each suite

Moreover, breakfast is served free everyday. Well, it’s not the kind of spread that will wow your palate or make you burp a lot, but the offerings are good enough to jumpstart your day. There is a set American breakfast plate, plus a buffet of some Thai vegetable dishes, steamed or fried rice, bread, fruits, yogurt, cereals, juices and the like. Housekeeping promptly cleans all units on a daily basis, while security is present round-the-clock without being obtrusive. Also, the swimming pool is of a good size so families with kids will definitely find it quite inviting.

The Abloom Cafe (where breakfast is served) on the 2nd Floor offers a good (and tasty) variety of local and international dishes, although room service is accepted only up to 21:30 every night.

All in all, I believe that Abloom Serviced Apartments is one of my new picks to stay in Bangkok, especially if the length of vacation is at least 5 days or more (I spent the long holiday break). It truly feels like home away from home. Check out the special rates being offered by Sawadee (either a Stay 4, Pay 3 deal or Early Bird discounts). I got mine at just around USD50 a night. Not a bad deal after throwing in the roomy 65 sq.m. space, free wi-fi and breakfast.

The view from my suite. Notice the roof of the skytrain at a close range.

The useful kitchenette in each unit (no stove top, just a microwave oven)

Abloom's location map (Click on the image to go straight to Sawadee and check out their current rates)

When in Bangkok, eat at Taling Pling Thai Gastrocafe…..yummy food!

Posted by Norman on April 4, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 7 The Travel Bug in Me. Tagged: , , , .

Yummy Thai food awaits you at Taling Pling Gastrocafe.

My Thai-Pinoy friend Joey brings me to new food haunts everytime I visit Bangkok. During our last food trip, he told me that we won’t be going too far since his recommendation is just on the 3rd Floor of Central World, Atrium Zone (near Zen Department Store and beside Bread Talk).

The casual restaurant is called “Taling Pling” – very sing-song if you ask me. It’s supposed to be a Thai Gastrocafe (probably coined from ‘Gastronomic Cafe’) but it all boils down to serving simple but really tasty Thai food in a very relaxed atmosphere. One of their house specialties are the variations of Thai fried rice which you can order with different toppings as you desire. I ordered the one with small dried beef strips on top and it’s almost to “die” for in taste that I asked a second serving of the same. It’s a meal in itself!

Tasty Tod Man Pla (or Thai Fish Cakes for you)

As appetizers, we wanted to try their version of Thai fish cakes – also delicious and tender without being soggy.

Taling Pling's Spicy Stir-Fried Gourd Leaves is a winner.

We also got the spicy stir-fried gourd leaves and the preparation was just perfect – with the right amount of garlic and spices to make it even more delectable.

Their Thai red curry with chicken is hot but delish!

You don’t eat in a Thai resto without ordering curry, I actually prefer the green one, but this time around, we went for red.

I was actually so full after downing all the dishes we ordered that we did not ask for dessert anymore (well, actually, I bought a large cone of Hokkaido soft ice-cream as we were strolling inside the mall). Burp!

So if you’ll be in Bangkok for a vacation, head off to Taling Pling for a nice meal. It won’t be the cheapest bill you’ll pay for, but the food will be more than worth it. 😉